The daily walkaround check is the first line of defence for vehicle safety. Done properly, it catches defects before they become roadside prohibitions or accidents.
What the check should cover
DVSA publishes walkaround check guidance for HGVs and vans. For HGVs, a typical check covers:
- Lights, indicators and reflectors
- Tyres, wheels and wheel fixings
- Mirrors, glass and wipers
- Brakes, air lines and electrical connections
- Fuel and oil leaks, and AdBlue
- Body security, load security and the coupling for artics
- Horn, steering, seat belts and dashboard warning lights
- Number plates and markers
Tail lifts, cranes and refrigeration units need checking too where fitted.
Handling defects
A defect sheet is only useful if someone acts on it. Every reported defect should be assessed, and a dangerous defect means the vehicle must not be used until it's repaired. Record who reported it, who assessed it, what was done and when the vehicle returned to service.
Nil-defect reports matter as well. A record that the check was done and nothing was found is evidence that checks are happening.
Why digital checks are better
- Guided checklists per vehicle type mean nothing is skipped.
- Photos show exactly what the driver saw.
- Instant alerts reach the workshop the moment a defect is reported.
- Automatic consequences: in Fleetnyx a dangerous defect takes the vehicle off the road and out of route planning straight away.
- A complete audit trail without filing paper sheets.
Walkaround checks are built into the Fleetnyx driver app and flow straight into vehicle maintenance, so the defect a driver reports at 6am is a workshop job by 6:05.